Religious Views on Divorce & Remarriage | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Christianity – Divorce & Remarriage

Divorce in Contemporary British Society

• Divorce refers to the legal termination of a marriage.
• In the UK, divorce is permitted after one year if the marriage is irreparable.
• Reasons for divorce can include:
  • Infidelity
  • Domestic violence
  • Substance abuse
  • Health issues or disabilities
  • Work-related or financial stress
  • Infertility
  • Loss of affection
• In modern Britain, divorce is widely accepted and prevalent.
  • In 2012, approximately 42% of marriages in England and Wales ended in divorce.
• Remarriage occurs when an individual marries again after a divorce while their former spouse is still alive.
  • While remarriage is legally permitted, some churches may not allow it.

Christian Perspectives on Divorce & Remarriage

• The Bible records Jesus teaching that divorcing and remarrying constitutes adultery, though he appears to permit divorce in cases of infidelity.
• The Catholic Church views marriage as a lifelong sacrament.
  • A civil divorce does not dissolve the marriage in God’s eyes, as the couple’s vows are considered unbreakable.
  • Catholics are generally prohibited from remarrying in church while their former spouse is alive.
  • However, an annulment, which declares a marriage invalid from the start, may be granted if the marriage lacked full freedom or commitment at the time of the vows.
  • Those whose marriages are annulled may remarry in the church.
• Other Christian denominations acknowledge the permanence of marriage but may see divorce as the lesser evil in dire situations, viewing it as a potentially compassionate choice when a marriage is irretrievably broken.
  • They emphasize God’s forgiveness, which should be mirrored in the church’s approach to those who have erred.
  • The Church of England, along with most Protestant and Orthodox churches, permits divorce and remarriage, provided the couple approaches their new vows with seriousness.

Christian Responses to Couples Who Are Having Problems in Their Marriage

• When a marriage faces difficulties, Christian clergy strive to uphold the sanctity of marriage while showing compassion to those experiencing marital breakdown.
• Clergy offer support by praying with the couple and encouraging them to reflect on their wedding vows.
  • They may provide counseling or refer couples to organizations like Relate or Accord for professional assistance.
  • The church community may also be engaged to help support the couple through their challenges.

Islam – Divorce & Remarriage

Muslim Perspectives on Divorce & Remarriage

• Muslims regard marriage as a lifelong commitment.
• The Qur’an permits divorce as a final option when reconciliation is not possible.
  • The Hadith describes divorce as a serious matter.

For a religious divorce, the process includes:

• The husband declaring the divorce verbally or in writing to his wife.
• A three-month waiting period during which the couple lives together without sexual relations to determine if the wife is pregnant.
• The husband is obligated to provide ongoing support for his children after a divorce.
• In the UK, Muslims must secure a civil divorce to legally end their marriage, in addition to obtaining a religious divorce through a mosque or the Muslim Law Council in London.
• Remarriage after divorce is permitted in Islam.
  • The Prophet Muhammad married a divorced woman, and remarriage is especially encouraged when children are involved.

Muslim Support for Couples Facing Marital Challenges

• The Qur’an advises Muslims experiencing marital difficulties to seek reconciliation.
• Family members are encouraged to mediate and help resolve differences, in accordance with God’s will (Qur’an 4:35).